Our dogs can be very alarming in the summer months. We know that dogs tend to pant when exercising or when it is hot so we should be aware of excessive panting. This can indicate heat exhaustion and dehydration. The question is: can dogs get heat rash?
The skin of dogs is very sensitive, and it can be hard to spot heat rash under their fur. However, we are here to help you identify heat rash and possible dog skin allergies.
Are dogs prone to heat rash?
Heat rash can occur in dogs just as it can in humans. Heat rash is most common in the folds and areas of the skin. This is where the flesh can become very hot and sweaty. Heat rash occurs when this area rubs together.
What is Heat Rash?
Heat rash is caused by body heat. Itchy skin, which can sometimes be painful, may appear as a red patch on the skin. If the heat rash is not treated promptly, the tiny bumps can become infected.
Dogs with sensitive skin may also experience a belly rash. Heat rashes can be a problem for dogs with skin allergies or skin irritation, even if they don’t have any skin wrinkles or folds.
What does a dog heat rash look like?
A dog’s skin rash from heat can look very different to one caused by heat. Their fur may make it difficult to identify heat rash quickly, depending on how thick it is. Heat rash can look similar to a variety of skin conditions.
A red, tender rash caused by heat rashes can appear as a result. The affected area may have sores or irritation, scabs and broken sores as well as pimpled and lumpy skin.
Dog heat rash can cause any of these symptoms:
List of symptoms
Red skinLumps and pimplesBroken soresWeeping soresItchingScratchingBiting at the affected area
What could the other causes of rash?
Your dog’s rash could be due to flea allergy, dust mites or skin infections. It may also be a reaction to poison ivy or fungal infections. Foul-smelling boils can be a sign of something more serious and should be taken to the vet immediately.
What can I give my dog for heat rash?
If you suspect or identify a heat rash in your dog, it’s best to take them to the veterinarian that they are registered with. If the practice is closed when you find the irritated skin on your dog, you can take them to another local vet. However, your vet will still have access to your dog’s medical records.
A cream or gel will be prescribed to your dog to treat heat rash. This will reduce any symptoms such as small pimples. The treatment of dog heat rash is the same as for human heat rash.
What to do if your vet is closed
You should keep your dog’s heat-related rash and skin cool if there aren’t any vets nearby. A cool, damp cloth can be placed over any red bumps that are causing discomfort for your dog. This will help to stop them scratching at the area. Avoid excessive heat and high temperatures.
Keep in mind that temperatures rise so make sure to keep your dog on your ground floor and treat any affected areas there until you get to the vet.
Is my dog susceptible to getting hives from the heat?
When it is hot and humid outside, hives can develop in dogs. Dog heat bumps and hives look very similar. This is why it’s important to visit a veterinarian immediately after your dog develops a rash.
Hot spots on dogs are more likely to be heat rash. However, hives could also be caused by your dog getting too hot or sweaty.
Hives can present with more symptoms than regular heat rash. Hives can cause swelling of the face, vomiting, and lethargic behavior in your dog. The appearance of hives can also be seen as raised, red bumps around the skin, particularly around the ears and tongue.
Environmental allergies can also cause hives in dogs. Contact dermatitis can also lead to this type of skin problem.
Can Dog Rash be Spread to Humans
The heat rash of a dog should not spread to humans. A dog with a rash could cause a person to get sick.
The bacteria could then spread to any open wounds or rub their face after touching the dog. When handling a dog suffering from an infection or other skin condition, it is crucial that the human immediately wash their hands and not touch their face.
Staph Infections
In a matter of seconds, bacteria can be transmitted from one dog to another.
Staphylococcus is the most common type of infection. Staphylococcus infections can lead to death. But here’s an interesting fact: Both dogs and cats have Staphylococcus on their skins, meaning that it is always present. If the infection is severe, it can lead to death.
Wash your hands frequently and avoid rubbing your eyes.
How to avoid a heat rash on your dog’s skin
There are several ways you can prevent your dog from getting a rash. Keep them away from high temperatures, especially if your dog has skin conditions such as wrinkles or skin folds. Your furry friend may be more sensitive than you to heat. High temperatures can cause bodies to overheat.
Trips Outside
It may seem like there’s nothing you can do to keep your dog hydrated while you’re out, but there are many things you can do. You can visit areas with water fountains or keep your dog cool on hot days by using a cooling vest.
t Home
You can also use cooling pads and fans at home to cool your dog. To prevent your dog from getting rashes, you should always have towels on hand. These will absorb any sweat and protect their skin.
If your dog is prone to skin irritations, you should have a hydrocortisone cream on hand. If you bring a dog with heat rash, this is the type of cream your vet will likely give you. A doggy first aid kit is a must if your dog has large wrinkles, or has seasonal allergies.
Are dogs susceptible to heat rash? The Top Dog Advisor has more information about the causes and symptoms of heat rash in dogs.
